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Laser technology allows for less invasive, more precise procedures

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Geisinger Heart Institute recently completed the first laser lead extraction procedure in the northeast at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. The procedure was performed by Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, M.D., system chief, clinical electrophysiology.

The procedure is an effective method to remove problematic pacemaker or defibrillator leads that have become infected, have fractured or have become dislodged. The procedure uses a laser-guided sheath, a flexible hollow plastic tube (catheter), that is slid over the lead down to the heart muscle to hold it steady. The procedure to remove problematic leads is minimally invasive, takes less time to conduct and is completed in a catheterization lab with cardiothoracic surgical support. 

“Technology like laser lead extraction allows us to offer a solution to removing damaged or infected cardiac leads without having to schedule a major heart surgery,” said Vijayaraman. “This type of procedure reduces the risk of complications to our patients and allows them to receive the best possible care close to home.”

Laser lead extraction is also offered in Danville at Geisinger Medical Center for patients with problematic leads on their pacemaker or defibrillators. 

 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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Media inquiries

Randi Hines
Senior Communications Specialist
rhines1@geisinger.edu
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